Recognizing and Promoting Pollution Prevention

Energy Conservation

Turn off lights in rooms when not in use
Use energy-efficient lighting and light fixtures
Use natural lighting whenever possible
Set heating and cooling cycles for business hours
Maintain your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system
Set "sleep" modes for copy machine, fax machine, and computers (use of sleep or stand by mode for copy machines uses 70 % less energy)
Reduce your hot water temperature
Install shades for windows
Purchase energy-efficient equipment
Close doors to unused rooms
Encourage employees to carpool to work or use public transportation
Encourage employees to use stairs instead of an elevator
Coordinate errands to eliminate unnecessary driving
Close window shades or drapes in the summer to minimize the need for air-conditioning
Install thermal window panes

Water Conservation

Avoid watering landscaping during hottest part of the day
Check for leaky faucets and toilets
Install low-flow toilets
Install low-flow shower heads
Properly maintain your irrigation system and adjust sprinklers for proper coverage
Implement irrigation-efficiency improvements such as soaker hoses for watering flowerbeds
Install faucet aerators in kitchens and bathrooms
Install automatic faucet shutoff valves
Plant native landscaping suited for local growing conditions

Waste Reduction (including office paper conservation)

Copy double-sided
Use one-sided copies for drafts and/or scratch pads
Edit documents on the computer rather than printing numerous drafts
Send E-mail instead of memos
Use one main bulletin board to post information instead of giving each employee a copy, or use e-mail as a bulletin board
Re-use large mailing envelopes for office mail
Use circulation envelopes
Eliminate duplicate copies of magazine and catalog subscriptions
Take your name off mailing list (advertising mail and faxes)
Recycle office paper (use both sides of paper before recycling), cardboard, newspaper, aluminum cans, magazines, plastics, glass, etc.
Discontinue purchasing neon (Astrobright) papers (non-recyclable)
Use reusable mugs in break room instead of Styrofoam
Compost food waste and/or coffee grounds 
Reuse Styrofoam peanuts and wood pallets
Recycle grass (leave grass clippings on the lawn)
Use durable items during staff parties/functions (e.g. flatware, plates, cloth napkins)
Use concentrated cleaners
Purchase products with the least amount of packaging
Use rechargeable batteries
Reuse/recycle toner cartridges
Repair rather than replace
Reuse file folders, binder clips, rubber bands, three-ring binders, etc.

Reduction of Toxic Materials

Replace solvents with non-toxic alternatives
Discontinue purchasing neon (Astrobright) papers
Use non-toxic cleaners (e.g., Simple Green)
Use chlorine-free, non-bleached paper (e.g., office paper, tissues, toilet tissue, coffee filters)
Safely dispose of fluorescent bulbs-send to recycler or remove     mercury with an extractor
Safely dispose of batteries, used motor oil, and antifreeze
Purchase non-toxic markers, white out, and other office supplies
Use soybean or water-based products instead of petroleum-based
Request Material Safety Data Sheets prior to deciding which chemicals to buy, and select the safest, most non-toxic products

Home / The Program / Benefits / Newsletter / Pollution Prevention / Sign-Up